The United States women's under‑17 basketball team captured its fourth straight gold medal at the FIBA U‑17 Women's World Cup, defeating Spain 82‑73 in a tightly contested final that showcased both resilience and precision.
Star Performances
Micah Ojo paced the Americans with 20 points, while Arianna Robinson added 14. Nation Williams contributed a double‑double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, along with two steals and three blocks.
Ivanna Wilson Manyacka was named tournament MVP after averaging 12.9 points, six rebounds and 2.6 steals per game, and she posted a double‑double of 14 points and 11 rebounds with three steals in a win over Australia.
A Legacy of Dominance
The victory extended the U.S. streak to four consecutive titles and marked their seventh triumph in eight editions of the tournament. Spain had led 73‑71 before the Americans unleashed an 11‑0 run to seal the win, a pattern that has become familiar in their recent finals.
Coach Steve Gomez and associate coach Isabel Hernandez were part of the staff that guided the team through a demanding schedule that included matches in Brno, Czechia, as well as preparatory games in Maryland and Las Vegas.